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The idiom “ball is in your court” refers to the fact that it is now your turn to act. If you have the “ball,” you must make the next move, just like in a game or a circumstance. This statement implies that you are in charge of initiating something.
The idiomatic expression first appeared in America in the early nineteenth century. The concept of a symbolic “ball” stems from sports such as tennis and/or basketball. It depicts the ball being thrown around, and the person occupying the court is responsible for throwing it off to the opposite side. In the same context, the expression quietly suggests getting rid of the ball (the task or the next move) as soon and as quickly as feasible.
This Blog Includes:
Ball is in Your Court Idiom: Usage with Examples
Here are some examples of the use of the “ball is in your court” idiom in sentences:
- We did our best, and the ball is now in your court.
- The entire family has supported his decision to go to another nation, but the ball is in his court if he changes his mind at the last minute.
- I believe I have done enough to save our marriage. The ball is in your court now.
- I had already agreed to meet with him to discuss his idea, but he did not show up on time. The ball is in his court.
- She started the dialogue, but if he wanted to consider her marriage proposal, the ball would be in his court.
- His relatives and friends have asked him to apologise to his supervisor in order to keep his job. The ball is now in his court.
- I have worked tirelessly for two years here now. I think I deserve a pay raise. I have done my bit, the ball is in your court now manager sir.
Also Read: Useful Idioms with Examples, Sentences and Meanings
Ball is in Your Court Idiom: Synonyms
Let us look at the following list of synonyms on ‘ball is in your court’ which will help you add variety to your writing.
- It’s your move,
- Boss is the boss,
- Choose for yourself,
- Boss calls the shots,
- Decide for yourself, and
- It is for you to decide.
Ball is in Your Court Meaning Quiz
Once you have understood all about the ‘ball is in your court’ idiom, it is time that you check your understanding with the help of the quiz that we have prepared for you.
- Which planet is known as the “Red Planet”?
a) Venus b) Mars c) Jupiter d) Saturn
Answer: b) Mars
2. What is the capital of France?
a) Rome b) Berlin c) Paris d) Madrid
Answer: c) Paris
3. Which of the following is a mammal?
a) Shark b) Penguin c) Bat d) Snake
Answer: c) Bat
4. What is the chemical symbol for gold?
a) Ag b) Au c) Fe d) Cu
Answer: b) Au
5. Who wrote the play “Romeo and Juliet”?
a) Charles Dickens b) William Shakespeare c) Jane Austen d) Mark Twain
Answer: b) William Shakespeare
6. Which continent is known as the “Land Down Under”?
a) Africa b) Asia c) Australia d) South America
Answer: c) Australia
7. What is the largest ocean in the world?
a) Atlantic Ocean b) Indian Ocean c) Arctic Ocean d) Pacific Ocean
Answer: d) Pacific Ocean
8. Which of the following is a primary color?
a) Green b) Orange c) Blue d) Purple
Answer: c) Blue
9. What is the powerhouse of the cell?
a) Nucleus b) Mitochondria c) Ribosome d) Endoplasmic reticulum
Answer: b) Mitochondria
10. What is 25% of 100?
a) 10 b) 20 c) 25 d) 50
Answer: c) 25
Also Read: 150 Common Difficult Idioms with Examples
Check more related reads on Idioms and Proverbs
FAQs
“Sir, I have worked tirelessly for two years here now. I think I deserve a pay raise. I have done my bit, the ball is in your court now.”
The synonym of “the ball is in your court” is “It is your move now.”
“The ball is in your court” is an example of an idiom.
It can be, but the tone is crucial. While it implies urgency, it’s generally considered more polite than directly telling someone to hurry. It places the responsibility on them while acknowledging their autonomy. However, if said in a demanding or impatient tone, it can come across as rude. The context and your relationship with the person are important.
Absolutely. While often associated with decisions, it can also refer to situations where someone needs to take action, follow through on a task, or provide a response. For instance, “I’ve sent you the files, now the ball is in your court to complete the report” implies action, not just a choice
Not necessarily. Saying “the ball is in my court” simply acknowledges the responsibility. It doesn’t guarantee a specific outcome. They might still choose not to act, or they might make a different decision than expected. It just indicates they are aware of the pending action they must take.
While similar, “the ball is in your court” often carries a slightly stronger implication of responsibility or a significant decision. “It’s your turn” can be used in more casual, less consequential situations, like in a game. “The ball is in your court” often implies a more important, or impactful action.
This was all about the “Ball is in Your Court Idiom.” You can also follow the Learn English page of Leverage Edu for more exciting and informative blogs related to English grammar and the English language.
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